Comprehensive compilation of congener profiles to support health assessment of environmental exposures to polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures.

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) remains a potential human health risk due to their persistence in the environment, despite a global ban on their production. Understanding the composition of PCB mixtures is essential for the application of a mixtures-based approach to assessing health risks of PCB exposure. This work represents the most extensive effort to date to compile and make publicly available the PCB congener profiles for mixtures with toxicological data, providing a foundation for understanding toxicological potency of PCB mixtures in the environment.

A systematic evidence map for the evaluation of noncancer health effects and exposures to polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures.

Assessing health outcomes associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is important given their persistent and ubiquitous nature. PCBs are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, but the full range of potential noncancer health effects from exposure to PCBs has not been systematically summarized and evaluated. We used systematic review methods to identify and screen the literature using combined manual review and machine learning approaches.

Epidemiology Evidence for Health Effects of 150 per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Systematic Evidence Map.

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large class of chemicals with widespread use and persistence in the environment and in humans; however, most of the epidemiology research has focused on a small subset.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic evidence map (SEM) is to summarize the epidemiology evidence on approximately 150 lesser studied PFAS prioritized by the EPA for tiered toxicity testing, facilitating interpretation of those results as well as identification of priorities for risk assessment and data gaps for future research.

Methods: The Populations, Exposure, Comparators, and Outcomes (PECO) criteria were intentionally broad to identify studies of any health effects in humans with information on associations with exposure to the identified PFAS.

An evidence map of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and health outcome studies among residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, three Superfund sites discharged polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated waste upstream of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne, resulting in PCB contamination of groundwater, soil, and sediment in the surrounding area. Given the persistence of PCBs in the environment and in human tissues, there are continued concerns regarding PCB exposures and the potential for adverse health effects in the community. We developed an evidence map of PCB research at Akwesasne in order to characterize the available data and to highlight potential research needs.

The role of epidemiology studies in human health risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a public health concern given evidence that they persist and accumulate in the environment and can cause toxic effects in animals and humans. However, evaluating adverse effects of PCBs in epidemiologic studies is complicated by the characteristics of PCB exposure. PCBs exist as mixtures in the environment; the mixture changes over time due to degradation, and given physicochemical differences between specific PCB congeners, the mixture that an individual is exposed to (via food, air, or other sources) is likely different from that which can be measured in biological tissues.

Dietary Carotenoids and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among US Adults, NHANES 2003⁻2014.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent worldwide. Oxidative stress is thought to be a major mechanism, and previous epidemiological studies found higher serum levels of antioxidant carotenoids were associated with reduced risk for development and progression of NAFLD. The objective of this analysis is to examine cross-sectional associations between dietary and serum levels of carotenoids in relation to NAFLD among a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Childhood Lead Poisoning in Wisconsin.

Introduction: In 2016, 4,353 Wisconsin children under 6 years of age were identified with elevated blood lead levels (≥ 5 μg/dL). There is no safe level of lead in the human body; extensive research shows that children with blood lead levels < 5 μg/dL may still be at risk for adverse health effects including developmental delays.

Discussion: Physicians should follow current guidelines and consider factors such as the child's age, socioeconomic status, and housing situation when determining need for testing.

Dietary Antioxidants, Macular Pigment, and Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration: A Review of the Evidence.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and the prevalence is projected to increase to 112 million worldwide by 2040. Intraocular pressure is currently the only proven modifiable risk factor to treat POAG, but recent evidence suggests a link between antioxidant levels and risk for prevalent glaucoma. Studies have found that antioxidant levels are lower in the serum and aqueous humor of glaucoma patients.

Using Medicaid Data to Improve Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Outcomes and Blood Lead Surveillance.

Context: Wisconsin-specific data revealed that not all Medicaid providers were testing children appropriately for blood lead levels and not all blood lead tests were reported to the Department of Health Services, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. The Medicaid program requires blood lead screening for all Medicaid-enrolled children at specific ages. Wisconsin state law requires reporting of all blood lead test results.

Dietary carotenoids and cognitive function among US adults, NHANES 2011-2014.

Dietary carotenoids may limit neuronal damage from free radicals, potentially serving as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. We examined intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (L and Z) in relation to cognitive performance among 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants aged ≥60 years. L and Z intake from foods and supplements was estimated from two non-consecutive 24-hour diet recalls.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and metabolic syndrome.

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of contaminants used in many industrial applications and consumer products. Certain PFAS are regulated or voluntarily limited due to concern about environmental persistence and adverse health effects.

Objectives: In this analysis we examine PFAS levels and their association with metabolic syndrome and its components, using a representative sample of the U.

An Occupational Legacy: Malignant Mesothelioma Incidence and Mortality in Wisconsin.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe mesothelioma occurrence in Wisconsin from 1997 to 2013 by usual industry and occupation (I&O), including occupations generally considered low risk.

Methods: Population-based rates and standardized incidence and mortality ratios were calculated. Two case-control analyses were designed to compare mesothelioma incidence and mortality in specific I&O groups with occurrence of (1) brain and central nervous system cancers and (2) other causes of death, using logistic regression.

Lead Exposure Among Workers at a Shipyard-Wisconsin, 2015 to 2016.

Objective: In March 2016, the state health departments of Wisconsin and Minnesota learned of three shipyard workers with blood lead levels (BLLs) more than 40 μg/dL. An investigation was conducted to determine the extent of and risk factors for the exposure.

Methods: We defined a case as an elevated BLL more than or equal to 5 μg/dL in a shipyard worker.

Changes in Hair Mercury Levels Among Women of Child-Bearing Age Following an Educational Intervention.

Objective: Describe mercury exposures among women of childbearing age before and after an educational intervention.

Methods: Women age 18 to 45 were recruited to participate in an educational intervention concerning fish consumption. Fish consumption habits and total mercury concentration in hair were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and fish consumption.

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of contaminants. Certain PFAS are regulated or voluntarily limited due to concern about environmental persistence and adverse health effects, including thyroid disease and dyslipidemia. The major source of PFAS exposure in the general population is thought to be consumption of seafood.

Fish Consumption, Levels of Nutrients and Contaminants, and Endocrine-Related Health Outcomes Among Older Male Anglers in Wisconsin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations between endocrine disorders, fish consumption habits, and biomarkers of contaminants and nutrients

Methods: : Male anglers aged at least 50 years living in Wisconsin (n = 154) completed a questionnaire and provided biological samples. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for endocrine outcomes.

Results: Nineteen percent of anglers reported either pre-diabetes or diabetes, while 4.

Associations Between Fish Consumption and Contaminant Biomarkers With Cardiovascular Conditions Among Older Male Anglers in Wisconsin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine fish consumption habits and contaminant exposures associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes among older male anglers.

Methods: One hundred fifty-four men aged 50 years and older living and fishing in Wisconsin completed a detailed survey and provided hair and blood samples. Associations between fish consumption and body burdens of several contaminants, with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes, were evaluated.

Perfluoroalkyl substances in older male anglers in Wisconsin.

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of contaminants. Certain PFAS are regulated or voluntarily limited due to concern about environmental persistence and adverse health effects, including thyroid disease and to dyslipidemia. The major source of PFAS exposure in the general population is seafood.

Levels of persistent contaminants in relation to fish consumption among older male anglers in Wisconsin.

Fish are an important source of nutrients which may reduce risk of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease; however, fish may also contain significant amounts of environmental pollutants such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs, also called perfluoroalkyl compounds), which confer increased risk for adverse health effects. The Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Natural Resources developed a survey instrument, along with a strategy to collect human biological samples to assess the risks and benefits associated with long-term fish consumption among older male anglers in Wisconsin. The target population was men aged 50 years and older, who fish Wisconsin waters and live in the state of Wisconsin.

Comprehension of Fish Consumption Guidelines Among Older Male Anglers in Wisconsin.

Although awareness of Wisconsin's fish consumption guidelines is high among older male anglers, little is known about comprehension of guideline content, and many anglers have levels of contaminants high enough to be associated with adverse health outcomes. The Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative supported evaluation and revision of Wisconsin's fish consumption guideline program, using a web based survey of male Wisconsin anglers over the age of 50. A total of 3740 men completed the online survey; the median age of respondents was 62 years, and nearly all had lived and fished in Wisconsin for over 10 years.

Levels of nutrients in relation to fish consumption among older male anglers in Wisconsin.

Fish is an important source of nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce risk of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease; however, fish may also contain significant amounts of environmental pollutants. The Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Natural Resources developed a survey instrument, along with a strategy to collect human biological samples to assess the risks and benefits associated with long-term fish consumption among older male anglers in Wisconsin. The target population was men aged 50 years and older, who fish Wisconsin waters and live in the state of Wisconsin.